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  • Gujarat Expands Fuel Tax Relief for Fishermen with Major Policy Change

    July 8: In a move aimed at providing greater financial relief to the fishing community, the Gujarat Cabinet has approved a key amendment to the state’s diesel Value Added Tax (VAT) relief scheme by removing the boat length criterion, allowing more fishermen to benefit from the subsidy.

    The revised policy is expected to make the scheme more inclusive by extending eligibility to a larger number of fishing vessel owners, irrespective of the size of their boats. The decision is intended to ease the financial burden of rising fuel costs, one of the biggest operational expenses for fishermen.

    State government officials said the amendment reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening the fisheries sector and improving the livelihoods of coastal communities. By broadening the scope of the scheme, the government aims to ensure that welfare benefits reach more beneficiaries engaged in marine fishing.

    The Cabinet believes the revised policy will not only support fishermen economically but also encourage greater participation in the fisheries sector, which plays a vital role in Gujarat’s coastal economy. The updated diesel VAT relief scheme is expected to come into effect as per the government’s notified guidelines.

  • Government Steps Up El Niño Preparedness as Monsoon Boosts Kharif Sowing

    New Delhi, July 8: The Centre has intensified its preparedness measures to address the potential impact of El Niño while expressing confidence over the progress of the ongoing kharif season, aided by improved monsoon conditions across several parts of the country.

    According to official data, kharif sowing has reached 350.85 lakh hectares, reflecting steady progress in agricultural activities following the revival of monsoon rains. The increase in cultivated area is expected to support crop production and provide relief to farmers after concerns over delayed rainfall in some regions.

    The government is closely monitoring weather patterns and their possible impact on agriculture, with a special focus on mitigating risks associated with El Niño. Ministries and state governments have been directed to maintain preparedness and ensure timely interventions to safeguard crop health, water availability, and farmers’ livelihoods.

    Officials said contingency plans are in place to respond to any weather-related challenges, including the availability of quality seeds, irrigation support, and other agricultural inputs. Regular coordination is also being maintained with state authorities to review rainfall distribution, reservoir levels, and crop conditions.

    The Centre reiterated its commitment to supporting farmers through proactive planning and continuous monitoring, while emphasizing that favourable monsoon conditions in recent weeks have significantly improved the pace of kharif sowing across the country.

  • Samsung Set to Unfold New Shape at Galaxy Unpacked in London

    July 8: On July 22, Samsung Electronics will host Galaxy Unpacked in London, U.K. – a city that moves forward, not by chasing trends, but by setting them.

    Join us as we unveil the newest additions to the Galaxy portfolio, which has defined the foldable category. Combining intelligent capabilities with innovative form factors, the next generation of Galaxy devices are set to deliver more personal and adaptive experiences and set a new standard for the AI era.

    The event will be streamed live on Samsung.com, Samsung Newsroom India and Samsung’s YouTube channel beginning at 6.30 p.m. IST. 

    Stay tuned and make sure to register at samsung.com/unpacked for exclusive benefits, upcoming teasers, trailers and updates ahead of Galaxy Unpacked July 2026.

     

  • Cashless Healthcare Scheme Brings New Medical Benefits for UP Teachers and Education Staff

    Lucknow, July 8: The Uttar Pradesh government has launched a new cashless healthcare scheme aimed at providing easier and more accessible medical treatment facilities to teachers and employees working in the education sector.

    Under the initiative, eligible teachers and education department staff will be able to avail cashless medical services at empanelled hospitals, reducing the financial burden of healthcare expenses and ensuring timely access to quality treatment.

    The scheme is designed to strengthen healthcare support for the education community by streamlining the process of medical assistance and eliminating the need for beneficiaries to make upfront payments for covered treatments.

    Officials said the initiative reflects the state government’s commitment to improving the welfare and social security of teachers and education personnel, who play a vital role in strengthening the state’s education system.

    The programme will cover eligible employees as per government guidelines, with hospitals providing treatment under the approved cashless mechanism. The move is expected to bring greater convenience, transparency and efficiency to healthcare delivery for beneficiaries.

    The Uttar Pradesh government said the scheme will help create a more supportive working environment for teachers and education staff by ensuring better access to healthcare facilities.

    With the launch of this initiative, the state aims to enhance employee welfare while promoting a more inclusive and technology-driven healthcare support system.

  • India’s credit card boom: A decade of rapid growth reshapes the way consumers pay

    New Delhi, July 8: India’s credit card industry has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade, with the number of credit cards issued nearly tripling as consumers increasingly shift towards digital and cashless payment options.

    The surge reflects a major change in consumer behaviour, with credit cards becoming a preferred choice for payments across categories such as online shopping, travel, dining, retail purchases and everyday expenses. Growing digital adoption, expanding banking access and the rise of e-commerce have been key drivers behind this growth.

    Banks and financial institutions have played a crucial role in expanding the credit ecosystem by introducing innovative products, customised offerings and technology-led services. Digital onboarding, instant approvals and personalised rewards have made credit cards more accessible and attractive to a wider customer base.

    The growth of digital payments has also helped bring more consumers into the formal financial system, particularly as smartphones and internet connectivity continue to improve across the country. Credit cards are increasingly moving beyond being premium financial products and becoming part of mainstream consumer spending habits.

    At the same time, lenders are placing greater emphasis on responsible lending, customer education and advanced risk management practices to ensure that the expansion of credit remains sustainable.

    With rising consumer confidence, increasing digital transactions and a growing preference for convenient payment solutions, India’s credit card market is expected to continue its upward trajectory.

    The decade-long growth story of credit cards highlights India’s broader transition towards a modern, technology-driven payments ecosystem, where digital transactions are becoming an integral part of everyday life.

  • New Technology to Help Predict Landslide Risks in Himalayan Region

    Mandi, July 8: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi (IIT Mandi) have developed an operational landslide early warning system to improve disaster preparedness in the Indian Himalayan region.

    The newly developed system will help monitor landslide risks and provide timely alerts, allowing authorities and communities to take preventive action before major incidents occur.

    The Himalayan region often faces landslide threats due to heavy rainfall, steep slopes and changing weather conditions. The new technology is expected to support better disaster management, protect lives and reduce damage to infrastructure.

    The initiative reflects the growing role of science and technology in addressing natural disaster challenges. The system can help government agencies and local authorities make faster decisions during emergencies.

  • Sensex Plunges 1,600 Points as Iran Ceasefire Uncertainty Hits Markets

    Mumbai: Indian equity markets witnessed a sharp decline as the Sensex fell over 1,600 points after renewed geopolitical concerns emerged following US President Donald Trump’s statement that the Iran ceasefire had ended.

    The sudden escalation in tensions triggered selling pressure across global markets, with investors turning cautious amid concerns over rising uncertainty in the Middle East and its potential impact on crude oil prices, inflation and economic growth.

    The decline was broad-based, with key sectors witnessing heavy losses as market sentiment weakened. Banking, energy and other major stocks came under pressure as investors assessed the possible fallout of the geopolitical developments.

    Analysts said market volatility is likely to remain elevated as investors closely track further developments in the region, global crude oil movements and upcoming economic indicators.

    The fall highlights the sensitivity of financial markets to geopolitical risks, with investors remaining watchful for signs of stability and clarity in international affairs.

  • Assam Simplifies Rules for Small Businesses

    Guwahati, July 8: The Assam Government has introduced measures to simplify approval procedures for small non-polluting units, aiming to promote entrepreneurship and improve the ease of doing business in the state.

    Under the new initiative, eligible small businesses with low environmental impact will receive relief from certain approval requirements, helping reduce delays and make the process of starting operations smoother.

    The move is expected to encourage more entrepreneurs, especially small business owners and local investors, to establish new ventures in Assam. By reducing regulatory hurdles, the government aims to create a more supportive environment for small industries and strengthen economic activity across the state.

    The reform will also help businesses save time and resources by simplifying compliance procedures while ensuring that environmental protection standards continue to be maintained.

    Officials said the initiative is part of Assam’s broader efforts to attract investment, support small enterprises and create more employment opportunities. The government expects the measure to contribute to sustainable industrial growth and strengthen the state’s business ecosystem.

  • Toray Identifies Lead Compound with Ferroptosis- Inhibiting Activity and Initiates Biomarker Discovery with Kyushu University

    Tokyo, Japan, July 8: Toray Industries, Inc. today announced the discovery of a novel lead compound that exhibits ferroptosis-inhibiting activity, marking an important step in its efforts to develop innovative therapies for ferroptosis-related diseases. Preclinical studies in animal models of kidney disease have demonstrated promising pharmacological activity, supporting further research and development.

    Building on these findings, Toray has initiated a collaborative research program with Professor Kenichi Yamada and his research group at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University. The collaboration aims to identify novel biomarkers capable of evaluating the biological effects of ferroptosis inhibition in renal disease models.

    Ferroptosis is a regulated form of cell death driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and has emerged as a key mechanism underlying kidney injury and a range of other diseases. However, the dynamic and complex molecular changes associated with ferroptosis have made it difficult to accurately assess disease progression and therapeutic response. Developing reliable biomarkers remains a critical challenge in advancing ferroptosis-targeted drug discovery.

    The newly identified lead compound was discovered through Toray’s proprietary drug discovery platform and has demonstrated pharmacological activity in animal models of ischemia-reperfusion acute kidney injury, where ferroptosis is believed to play a significant pathogenic role.

    Professor Yamada’s laboratory is internationally recognized for its research on lipid peroxidation and oxidized lipids. The group has developed advanced analytical technologies to detect and characterize oxidized lipid molecules while investigating their roles in disease mechanisms and biomarker discovery.

    Under the collaboration, Toray’s lead compound will be evaluated in animal models of ischemia-reperfusion acute kidney injury to investigate molecular changes associated with lipid peroxidation. By integrating Toray’s drug discovery expertise with Kyushu University’s analytical capabilities, the partners aim to identify novel biomarkers that can accurately assess ferroptosis inhibition and support future therapeutic development.

    As part of its early partnership strategy, Toray also plans to pursue collaborative research and out-licensing opportunities with biotechnology companies and pharmaceutical partners capable of advancing the program into clinical development.

    Through these efforts, Toray seeks to accelerate the development of new therapeutic candidates targeting ferroptosis-related diseases and contribute to addressing significant unmet medical needs in renal disorders and other conditions associated with ferroptotic cell death.

  • Everything Your Monsoon Wardrobe Needs: Fabindia’s Curated Edit for the Season

    July 8: Monsoon changes the rhythm of daily life like no other season, with its slower mornings, humid afternoon, and spontaneous plans affecting what you reach for each day. Monsoon dressing is more about choosing pieces that endure through all the extremities of the day. Crafted in natural fibres and premium materials, Fabindia’s Monsoon Edit solves this common distress with silhouettes that don’t weigh you down, handcrafted textiles that ensure comfort, and pieces that transition effortlessly through the day. 

    Everything Your Monsoon Wardrobe Needs: Fabindia's Curated Edit for the Season

    1. Orange Cotton Silk Hand Block Print Sari

     
    With its cotton-silk fabric combination, this hand-block printed sari adds elegance to any festivity without the overly formal appeal. Additionally, its soft sheen and floral motif designs make it visually lighter, further improving its wearability, while the lightweight drape makes it a comfortable choice for festive gatherings, celebrations, and other special occasions. Style with a high-neck blouse, understated drop earrings, and a structured clutch to let the print carry the look.
     
    2.  Pink Linen Blend Slim Fit Shirt
     
    This shirt’s soft pink hue gives it a rejuvenating, light feel against the season’s grey skies, while the structured silhouette offers a clean, distinct appeal. Crafted in linen, the shirt fits perfectly in monsoon’s wardrobe and tackles the humid weather with effortless ease, making it the shirt you’ll keep on reaching for multiple times in a week. Beige chinos or off-white linen trousers paired with tan loafers come together to offer a clean, considered look. Alternatively, layer it over a white crew neck for a relaxed day on cooler evenings.
     
    3. Red Cotton Ajrakh Midi Dress
     
    From casual lunches to unhurried evenings, this Ajrakh midi dress does justice to every occasion you may have on your calendar. Its flared silhouette, breathable construction, V-neckline, and elbow sleeves make it a highly versatile must-have piece in your wardrobe. Pair with tan leather sandals, a crossbody or a tote bag, and minimal jewellery for a considered and refined outfit.
     
    4. Silver Stud Earrings
     
    Minimal, timeless, and versatile, these silver earrings quietly elevate your outfits effortlessly. Their refined design blends seamlessly with both handcrafted and contemporary wardrobes, making them a jewellery-box essential. Wear them with soft natural makeup and neatly tied-back hair to let the understated design speak for itself.
     
    5. Black Viscose Kalamkari Printed Skirt Midi
     
    This black midi skirt offers fluidity and versatility to your rainy afternoons. The Kalamkari motifs offer a unique character to the skirt, giving it a more intentional appeal. Furthermore, the skirt’s easy-to-carry, easy-to-style silhouette offers refinement across different moods and occasions that doesn’t feel forced. For a considered look perfect for family gatherings, spontaneous picnics or a laid-back brunch, tuck the skirt into a solid cotton shirt and handcrafted sandals while pairing with minimal jewellery.
     
    6. Tan Leather Sandals
     
    These tan leather sandals pair effortlessly with almost everything in your summer or monsoon wardrobe, due to their versatile, neutral design. The sandals’ well-cushioned sole and premium construction make them a wardrobe essential that keeps on paying beyond the season. Pair with earthy tones, indigo, white and soft pastels across ethnic and western silhouettes.
     
    7.  Metal Openable Bangles
     
    This metal bangle is easy to style and works across various wardrobes and aesthetics, owing to its contemporary design. The oxidised look uplifts without overwhelming, bringing a polished and refined edge to your outfits. For relaxed days, a single bangle alongside a linen shirt offers a modern and understated look. Alternatively, stack two or three to complement handcrafted saris or festive ensembles.